USC's Javorius Allen to enter 2015 NFL draft

USC running back Javorius Allen is brought down by Notre Dame safety Elijah Shumate during the second quarter of the Trojans' 49-14 win over Notre Dame on Nov. 29 at the Coliseum. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

USC tailback Javorius Allen will forgo his final season of eligibility and make himself available for the 2015 NFL draft.

"It was a tough decision for me," Allen, 23, said in a statement on the school's athletic department website. "I went home to Florida and talked it over with my family. I am proud to have been the first one in my family to have gone to college, and I've been blessed to say I played football in college. Now I'm ready to take it to the next level. Every kid dreams of this moment."

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Allen, 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, rushed for 1,489 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. He also caught 41 passes, one for a touchdown.

Allen, who attended high school in Tallahassee, Fla., is the third draft-eligible junior from USC to declare for the draft.

Defensive lineman Leonard Williams and receiver Nelson Agholor, also are turning pro. Williams and Agholor also are from Florida.

Allen's departure leaves the Trojans with senior Tre Madden and junior Justin Davis as the only scholarship tailbacks.

Allen rose to prominence during the 2013 season, emerging after Ed Orgeron took over as interim coach in place of the fired Lane Kiffin. Allen rushed for 785 yards and 14 touchdowns and was voted the team's most valuable player.